, PLEASE USE THIS DOCUMENT AS A GUIDE ONLY
QUESTION 1
1. Refer to Addendum A1 of Unisa’s Policy on Research Ethics and explain the following ethical
principles:
1.1 Informed and Non-coerced Consent
Informed and non-coerced consent is a cornerstone of ethical research. It ensures that participation is
entirely voluntary and based on a clear understanding of the research. The principle has two core
components:
Informed Consent: This means participants must be given comprehensive information about
the research project before they agree to take part. This includes the study's purpose,
procedures, potential risks, and benefits (SEP3707, Study Guide, p. 67) . Participants must also
be given the opportunity to ask questions to ensure they fully understand what their
involvement entails .
Non-coerced Consent: This means participants must be free to decide whether or not to
participate without any form of pressure, undue influence, or inducement. It is made clear that
they can refuse to participate or withdraw from the study at any time without facing any
negative consequences (SEP3707, Study Guide, p. 68) .
The study guide provides an example of a formal consent form used to document this agreement
(SEP3707, Study Guide, p. 67). This form details the participant's rights and the researcher's
undertakings, which is a standard practice at Unisa to ensure the principle is properly
operationalized .
1.2 Non-maleficence
Non-maleficence is the fundamental ethical duty to "do no harm." It requires researchers to actively
design and conduct their research in a way that minimizes any potential risk of physical or
psychological harm, discomfort, or adverse effects to participants (SEP3707, Study Guide, p. 15) .
In practice, this means researchers must carefully assess the potential risks involved and take steps to
mitigate them. As highlighted in the study guide, this includes safeguarding the identity of
respondents by maintaining confidentiality and anonymity, which prevents potential social or
professional repercussions (SEP3707, Study Guide, p. 15). It also involves handling sensitive topics
with care to avoid causing emotional distress. For instance, a researcher must ensure that questions
are not leading and that the research environment is not threatening (SEP3707, Study Guide, p. 121).
1.3 Beneficence
While non-maleficence is about avoiding harm, beneficence is the ethical obligation to "do good"
and maximize the potential benefits of the research . This principle dictates that the research should
not only be harmless but should actively aim to contribute positively to the participants, the
community, or the wider body of knowledge .
QUESTION 1
1. Refer to Addendum A1 of Unisa’s Policy on Research Ethics and explain the following ethical
principles:
1.1 Informed and Non-coerced Consent
Informed and non-coerced consent is a cornerstone of ethical research. It ensures that participation is
entirely voluntary and based on a clear understanding of the research. The principle has two core
components:
Informed Consent: This means participants must be given comprehensive information about
the research project before they agree to take part. This includes the study's purpose,
procedures, potential risks, and benefits (SEP3707, Study Guide, p. 67) . Participants must also
be given the opportunity to ask questions to ensure they fully understand what their
involvement entails .
Non-coerced Consent: This means participants must be free to decide whether or not to
participate without any form of pressure, undue influence, or inducement. It is made clear that
they can refuse to participate or withdraw from the study at any time without facing any
negative consequences (SEP3707, Study Guide, p. 68) .
The study guide provides an example of a formal consent form used to document this agreement
(SEP3707, Study Guide, p. 67). This form details the participant's rights and the researcher's
undertakings, which is a standard practice at Unisa to ensure the principle is properly
operationalized .
1.2 Non-maleficence
Non-maleficence is the fundamental ethical duty to "do no harm." It requires researchers to actively
design and conduct their research in a way that minimizes any potential risk of physical or
psychological harm, discomfort, or adverse effects to participants (SEP3707, Study Guide, p. 15) .
In practice, this means researchers must carefully assess the potential risks involved and take steps to
mitigate them. As highlighted in the study guide, this includes safeguarding the identity of
respondents by maintaining confidentiality and anonymity, which prevents potential social or
professional repercussions (SEP3707, Study Guide, p. 15). It also involves handling sensitive topics
with care to avoid causing emotional distress. For instance, a researcher must ensure that questions
are not leading and that the research environment is not threatening (SEP3707, Study Guide, p. 121).
1.3 Beneficence
While non-maleficence is about avoiding harm, beneficence is the ethical obligation to "do good"
and maximize the potential benefits of the research . This principle dictates that the research should
not only be harmless but should actively aim to contribute positively to the participants, the
community, or the wider body of knowledge .
